Hydroxyapatite-titanium bulk composites for bone tissue engineering applications: Ha-Ti Bulk Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Microstructure Formations Resulting from Nanosecond and Picosecond Laser Irradiation of a Ti-Based Alloy under Controlled Atmospheric Conditions and Optimization of the Irradiation Process

This paper presents a study and comparison of surface effects induced by picosecond and nanosecond laser modification of a Ti6Al4V alloy surface under different ambient conditions: air and argon- and nitrogen-rich atmospheres. Detailed surface characterization was performed for all experimental conditions. Damage threshold fluences for picosecond and nanosecond laser irradiation in all three ambient conditions were determined. The observed surface features were a resolidified pool of molten material, craters, hydrodynamic effects and parallel periodic surface structures. Laser-induced periodic surface structures are formed by multi-mode-beam nanosecond laser action and picosecond laser action. Crown-like structures at crater rims are specific features for picosecond Nd:YAG laser action in argon-rich ambient conditions. Elemental analysis of the surfaces indicated nitride compound formation only in the nitrogen-rich ambient conditions. The constituents of the formed plasma were also investigated. Exploring the impact of process control parameters on output responses has been undertaken within the context of laser modification under different environmental conditions. Parametric optimization of the nanosecond laser modification was carried out by implementing an advanced method based on Taguchi's parametric design and multivariate statistical techniques, and optimal settings are proposed for each atmosphere.

Process-structure-biofunctional paradigm in cellular structured implants: an overview and perspective on the synergy between additive manufacturing, bio-mechanical behaviour and biological functions

The overview describes the synergy between biological sciences and cellular structures processed by additive manufacturing to elucidate the significance of cellular structured implants in eliminating stress shielding and in meeting the bio-mechanical property requirements of elastic modulus, impact resistance, and fatigue strength in conjunction with the biological functionality. The convergence of additive manufacturing, computer-aided design, and structure-property relationships is envisaged to provide the solution to the current day challenges in the biomedical arena. The traditional methods of fabrication of biomedical devices including casting and mechanical forming have limitations because of the mismatch in micro/microstructure, mechanical, and physical properties with the host site. Additive manufacturing of cellular structured alloys via electron beam melting and laser powder bed fusion has benefits of fabricating patient-specific design that is obtained from the computed tomography scan of the defect site. The discussion in the overview consists of two aspects - the first one describes the underlying reason that motivated 3D printing of implants from the perspective of minimising stress shielding together with the mechanical property requirements, where the mechanical properties of cellular structured implants depend on the cellular architecture and percentage cellular porosity. The second aspect focuses on the biological response of cellular structured devices.

Resistive coupled microwave sintering of hydroxyapatite/titania nano-biocomposite and tailoring its mechanical properties

Tailoring the mechanical properties of bioceramics plays a crucial role in the fabrication of hard tissue substitutes. In this work, phase pure nanostructured hydroxyapatite and titania were synthesized using a single-step combustion technique. To study the influence of titania in the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite/titania (TiO₂-0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) nanocomposites were prepared. The sample containing 20% titania showed maximum sinterability and was analysed in detail. The samples were sintered by a novel resistive coupled microwave sintering to 98.9% of the theoretical density at 1020 °C for a soaking duration of 20 min. A substantial reduction in sintering temperature of ∼165 °C and a significantly low soaking duration were observed in the samples sintered using the new technique and it yielded pellets with reduced grain size compared to the samples sintered via conventional resistive heating. They have shown better microhardness of 7.7 GPa, enhanced compressive strength of 194.9 MPa, and improved elastic modulus of 136.2 GPa without compromising the cell viability, cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, and biomineralization. The results indicate that by varying the titania content in hydroxyapatite and by adopting a suitable low-temperature sintering strategy like resistive coupled microwave sintering, one can tailor the mechanical properties of bone implants.

Structural and Functional Picosecond Laser Modification of the Nimonic 263 Superalloy in Different Environmental Conditions and Optimization of the Irradiation Process

In this experimental study, picosecond laser treatment was performed on a nickel-based superalloy Nimonic 263, aiming to investigate the surface effects induced by irradiation in different atmospheric conditions and, concerning changes in surface composition, regarding the possibility for improvement of its functionality. Besides the varying laser parameters, such as a number of pulses and pulse energy, environmental conditions are also varied. All surface modifications were carried out in standard laboratory conditions and a nitrogen- and argon-rich atmosphere. The resulting topography effects depend on the specific laser treatment and could be categorized as increased roughness, crater formation, and formation of the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Changes in the chemical surface composition are distinguished as the potential formation of the protective oxides/nitrides on the sample surface. Numerous characterization techniques analyse the resulting effects on the topography and surface parameters. The multi-response parametric optimization of the picosecond laser process was performed using an advanced statistical method based on Taguchi's robust parameter design. Finally, the optimal parameter conditions for Nimonic 263 modification are suggested.

The correlation between osseointegration and bonding strength at the bone-implant interface: In-vivo & ex-vivo investigations on hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite/titanium coatings

This study investigated the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) and hydroxyapatite/titanium (HA/Ti) coatings on osseointegration and bonding strength at the bone-implant interface. The coatings were made using air plasma spray (APS), and three study groups were examined: 1) Uncoated commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) rods; 2) HA-coated CP-Ti rods, and 3) Composite of 50 %wt HA + 50 %wt Ti coated CP-Ti rods. The rods were implanted into the distal femurs and proximal tibias of fifteen New Zealand white rabbits, and 8 weeks after the implantation, the samples were harvested. The results of pull-out tests showed that the ultimate strength of HA and HA/Ti coatings were significantly greater than the uncoated samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, even though the histological evaluations showed significantly greater osseointegration of HA/Ti composite coatings compared with HA coatings (P < 0.05), nonetheless, the composite of HA/Ti offers no significant increase in the ultimate strength, stiffness, and bonding strength at the bone-implant interface, compared with the HA group (P > 0.05). Thus, in an eight-week study, there was no linear correlation between the osseointegration and the bonding strength at the bone-implant interface. The results of this work may imply that the extent of osseointegration at the bone-implant interface does not necessarily determine the value of the bonding strength at the bone-implant interface. It is speculated that, in a longer-term study, a greater quality of bone formation may occur during osseointegration, between the implant and its adjacent bone, which can lead to a more enhanced bonding strength, compared with the 8-weeks post-surgery follow up.

Synthesis of Ti6Al4V/SrFHA Composites by Microwave-Assisted Liquid Phase Deposition and Calcination

The feasibility of synthesis of Ti6Al4V/SrFHA (Ca_9.37Sr_0.63(PO₄)₆F₂) composites via coating strontium and fluorine co-doped HA to Ti6Al4V substrate by microwave-assisted liquid phase deposition and calcination was evaluated, with a focus on the effect of the deposition temperature from 30 °C to 70 °C. The outcomes demonstrate that strontium and fluorine can be successfully doped into HA to form a SrFHA coating with modified micromorphology which is deposited on the alloy. When the deposition temperature was 50 °C, the coating with the largest uniform continuous SrFHA coverage was obtained. After calcination, the adhesion strength and Vickers microhardness of the Ti6Al4V/SrFHA composite increased from 0.68 MPa and 323 HV to 2.41 MPa and 329 HV, respectively, with a decrease in the water contact angle from 10.88° to 7.24°, exhibiting enhancement of both mechanical properties and wettability. Moreover, the composite obtained at the deposition temperature of 50 °C exhibited good bioactivity based on the simulate body fluid (SBF) test. On account of the above features primarily as a result of the combined effect of the co-doping of strontium and fluorine, high crystallinity of SrFHA, large surface roughness, and formation of the titanium oxide transition layer, the Ti6Al4V/SrFHA composite shows great potential in dental implantology.

Multifunctional Hydroxyapatite Composites for Orthopedic Applications: A Review

Being a bioactive material, hydroxyapatite (HAp) is regarded as one of the most attractive ceramic biomaterials for bone and hard-tissue replacement and regeneration. Despite its substantial biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and compositional similarity to that of bone, the employment of HAp is still limited in orthopedic applications due to its poor mechanical (low fracture toughness and bending strength) and antibacterial properties. These significant challenges lead to the notion of developing novel HAp-based composites via different fabrication routes. HAp, when efficaciously combined with functionally graded materials and antibacterial agents, like Ag, ZnO, Co, etc., form composites that render remarkable crack resistance and toughening, as well as enhance its bactericidal efficacy. The addition of different materials and a fabrication method, like 3D printing, greatly influence the porosity of the structure and, in turn, control cell adhesion, thereby enabling biological fixation of the material. This article encompasses an elaborate discussion on different multifunctional HAp composites developed for orthopedic applications with particular emphasis on the incorporation of functionally graded materials and antibacterial agents. The influence of 3D printing on the fabrication of HAp-based scaffolds, and the different in vitro and in vivo studies conducted on these, have all been included here. Furthermore, the present review not only provides insights and broad understanding by elucidating recent advancements toward 4D printing but also directs the reader to future research directions in design and application of HAp-based composite coatings and scaffolds.

Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Film Obtained by Er:YAG Pulsed Laser Deposition on Sandblasted Titanium: An In Vitro Study

The surface of titanium (Ti) dental implants must be modified to improve their applicability, owing to the biological inertness of Ti. This study aims to use sandblasting as a pretreatment method and prepare a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on Ti to improve its biocompatibility and induce bone bonding and osteogenesis. In this paper, sandblasted Ti discs were coated with α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) via Er:YAG pulsed laser deposition (Er:YAG-PLD). An HA coating was then obtained via the hydrothermal treatment of the discs at 90 °C for 10 h. The surface characteristics of the samples were evaluated by SEM, SPM, XPS, XRD, FTIR, and tensile tests. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on the HA-coated discs to determine cellular responses in vitro. The surface characterization results indicated the successful transformation of the HA coating with a nanorod-like morphology, and its surface roughness increased. In vitro experiments revealed increased cell attachment on the HA-coated discs, as did the cell morphology of fluorescence staining and SEM analysis; in contrast, there was no increase in cell proliferation. This study confirms that Er:YAG-PLD could be used as an implant surface-modification technique to prepare HA coatings with a nanorod-like morphology on Ti discs.

Bioactive Surface Modifications through Thermally Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Composite Coatings: A Review over Selective Reinforcements

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been an excellent replacement for the natural bone in orthopedic applications, owing to its close resemblance; however, it is brittle and has low strength. Surface modification techniques...

Validation of the 1,4-butanediol thermoplastic polyurethane as a novel material for 3D bioprinting applications

Tissue engineering (TE) seeks to fabricate implants that mimic the mechanical strength, structure, and composition of native tissues. Cartilage TE requires the development of functional personalized implants with cartilage-like mechanical properties capable of sustaining high load-bearing environments to integrate into the surrounding tissue of the cartilage defect. In this study, we evaluated the novel 1,4-butanediol thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (b-TPUe) derivative filament as a 3D bioprinting material with application in cartilage TE. The mechanical behavior of b-TPUe in terms of friction and elasticity were examined and compared with human articular cartilage, PCL, and PLA. Moreover, infrapatellar fat pad-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were bioprinted together with scaffolds. in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferative potential, cell viability, and chondrogenic differentiation were analyzed by Alamar blue assay, SEM, confocal microscopy, and RT-qPCR. Moreover, in vivo biocompatibility and host integration were analyzed. b-TPUe demonstrated a much closer compression and shear behavior to native cartilage than PCL and PLA, as well as closer tribological properties to cartilage. Moreover, b-TPUe bioprinted scaffolds were able to maintain proper proliferative potential, cell viability, and supported MSCs chondrogenesis. Finally, in vivo studies revealed no toxic effects 21 days after scaffolds implantation, extracellular matrix deposition and integration within the surrounding tissue. This is the first study that validates the biocompatibility of b-TPUe for 3D bioprinting. Our findings indicate that this biomaterial can be exploited for the automated biofabrication of artificial tissues with tailorable mechanical properties including the great potential for cartilage TE applications.

Enhanced osteogenesis properties of titanium implant materials by highly uniform mesoporous thin films of hydroxyapatite and titania intermediate layer

Titanium (Ti) has been widely used for medical and dental applications; however, bare Ti cannot be properly connected to a living bone, and hence some modifications are needed for this purpose. The present study describes the synthesis of mesoporous hydroxyapatite thin films (MHF) on titanium implant materials for speeding up and shortening the processes of osteointegration. The uniform MHF was coated on a Ti substrate following the insertion of intermediate titania (TiO₂) film via the sol-gel dip-coating method. The intermediate titania layer improved the bonding strength between the MHF and Ti substrate. MHFs were synthesized using a precursor solution containing phosphoric acid, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and a nonionic surfactant (C₁₂E₁₀) as the phosphate source, calcium source, and structure-directing agent, respectively. The effect of calcination temperature on phase composition, morphology, microstructure, roughness, and wettability of the MHFs was investigated using XRD, FE-SEM, COM, AFM, and contact angle measurement. The XRD results revealed the crystalline hydroxyapatite phase, which was improved with an increase in the calcination temperature. Moreover, the FE-SEM images showed the crack-free MHFs, uniform thickness of the layer, and mesoporous surface morphology. In addition, it was found that the roughness and wettability of the samples change upon the alteration of calcination temperature. The biological studies demonstrated that MHFs support the adhesion and proliferation of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and guid them toward osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the MHFs prepared in this study may be useful in a wide range of applications, particularly in bone regeneration medicine.

Effect of Ultrasound Irradiation on the Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite/Titanium Oxide Nanocomposites

Bioceramic materials, such as hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, (HAp), can be chemically bound to bone tissue; since they are bioactive and biocompatible. HAp, titanium oxide (TiO2), and hydroxyapatite/titanium oxide (HAp/TiO2) nanocomposite nanoparticles were obtained by ultrasound irradiation assisted by sol-gel and co-precipitation methods at different time intervals, using Ca(NO3)2•4H2O, (NH4)2HPO4, and TiOSO4•xH2O as calcium, phosphorus, and titanium sources, respectively. HAp, TiO2, and HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite powders were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy. The percentages of anatase phase for TiO2 and of monoclinic and hexagonal phases for HAp were quantified by Rietveld refinement. Furthermore, sample crystallinity in each material was enhanced by increasing the ultrasound irradiation time. The nanoparticle shape was semi-spherical, agglomerated, and between 17 and 20 nm in size. The agglomeration of particles in the samples was corroborated with a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM).

Functional State of Mesenchymal Stem Cells upon Exposure to Bioactive Coatings on Titanium Alloys

Bioactive coatings on implants affect osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). We studied the morphofunctional state of bone marrow MSC cultured on the surface of calcium phosphate coatings on titanium formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The biocompatible properties of the coatings manifested in the absence of the cytotoxic effect on cells. High expression of receptors (CD90, CD29, and CD106), enhanced synthesis of osteocalcin and osteopontin, and changes in surface architectonics of MSC adherent to the samples confirmed osteoinductive properties of the calcium phosphate PEO coating.

Biocomposites based on hydroxyapatite matrix reinforced with nanostructured monticellite (CaMgSiO4) for biomedical application: Synthesis, characterization, and biological studies

In this study, a simple and facile strategy was developed for the synthesis of novel hydroxyapatite (HA)/nanostructured monticellite ceramic composites by mechanical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to peruse the phase structure, and morphology of soaked ceramic composites in simulated body fluid (SBF). The in vitro bioactivity of HA-based ceramic composites with nanostructured monticellite ranging from 0 to 50 wt% was evaluated via investigating the formation ability of bone-like calcium phosphates in SBF and the effect of obtained extracts from composites dissolution on osteoblast-like G-292 cell line. Moreover, In vitro cytocompatibility of the HA/monticellite ceramic composites was investigated by MTT, cell growth & adhesion and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The results showed that HA/nanostructured monticellite ceramic composites could induce apatite formation in SBF. The cell proliferation and growth exposed to ceramic composites extracts were significantly stimulated and promoted at a certain concentration range compared to control for various time periods of cell culture. The optimized composite extract enhanced considerably gene expression of G-292 type X collagen (COLX) at different days. Also, G-292 cells were spread and adhered well on the ceramic composite disc. Furthermore, ALP activity of G-292 cells exposed to ceramic composites extracts was dramatically enhanced in comparison with pure HA extract (as control) at different concentrations for various time periods of cell culture. The results suggest that the optimized HA/nanostructured monticellite composite is promising biomaterial for clinical applications such as orthopedic and dentistry.

Fabrication of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Incorporated Porous Hydroxyapatite Composites: Improved Mechanical and in Vivo Imaging Performances for Emerging Biomedical Applications

Three-dimensional nanocomposites exhibit unexpected mechanical and biological properties that are produced from two-dimensional graphene nanoplatelets and oxide materials. In the present study, various composites of microwave-synthesized nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), (100 - x)HAp-xGNPs (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 wt %), were successfully synthesized using a scalable bottom-up approach, that is, a solid-state reaction method. The structural, morphological and mechanical properties were studied using various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and universal testing machine (UTM). XRD studies revealed that the prepared composites have high-order crystallinity. Addition of GNPs into nHAp significantly improved the mechanical properties. Three-dimensional nanocomposite 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs exhibited exceptionally high mechanical properties, for example, a fracture toughness of ∼116 MJ/m³, Young's modulus of ∼98 GPa, and compressive strength of 96.04 MPa, which were noticed to be much greater than in the pure nHAp. The MTT assay and cell imaging behaviors were carried out on the gut tissues of Drosophila third instars larvae and on primary rat osteoblast cells for the sample 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs that have achieved the highest mechanical properties. The treatment with lower concentrations of 10 μg/mL on the gut tissues of Drosophila and 1 and 5 μg/mL of this composite sample showed favorable cell viability. Therefore, owing to the excellent porous nature, interconnected surface morphology, and mechanical and biological properties, the prepared composite sample 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs stood as a promising biomaterial for bone implant applications.

Fabrication of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Incorporated Porous Hydroxyapatite Composites: Improved Mechanical and in Vivo Imaging Performances for Emerging Biomedical Applications

Three-dimensional nanocomposites exhibit unexpected mechanical and biological properties that are produced from two-dimensional graphene nanoplatelets and oxide materials. In the present study, various composites of microwave-synthesized nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), (100 - x)HAp-xGNPs (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 wt %), were successfully synthesized using a scalable bottom-up approach, that is, a solid-state reaction method. The structural, morphological and mechanical properties were studied using various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and universal testing machine (UTM). XRD studies revealed that the prepared composites have high-order crystallinity. Addition of GNPs into nHAp significantly improved the mechanical properties. Three-dimensional nanocomposite 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs exhibited exceptionally high mechanical properties, for example, a fracture toughness of ∼116 MJ/m3, Young's modulus of ∼98 GPa, and compressive strength of 96.04 MPa, which were noticed to be much greater than in the pure nHAp. The MTT assay and cell imaging behaviors were carried out on the gut tissues of Drosophila third instars larvae and on primary rat osteoblast cells for the sample 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs that have achieved the highest mechanical properties. The treatment with lower concentrations of 10 μg/mL on the gut tissues of Drosophila and 1 and 5 μg/mL of this composite sample showed favorable cell viability. Therefore, owing to the excellent porous nature, interconnected surface morphology, and mechanical and biological properties, the prepared composite sample 99.5HAp-0.5GNPs stood as a promising biomaterial for bone implant applications.

Evaluation and Prediction of Mass Transport Properties for Porous Implant with Different Unit Cells: A Numerical Study

Efficient exchange of nutrients and wastes required for cell proliferation and differentiation plays a pivotal role in improving the service life of porous implants. In this study, mass transport properties for porous implant with different unit cells were evaluated and predicted when the porosities are kept the same. To this end, three typical unit cells (diamond (DO), rhombic dodecahedron (RD), and octet truss (OT)) were selected, in which DO displayed diagonal-symmetrical shape, while RD and OT share midline-symmetrical structure. Then, single unit cells were designed quantitatively, and its shape parameters were measured and calculated. Moreover, corresponding porous scaffolds with same outline size were created, respectively. Furthermore, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology, flow performances with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) in vitro were simulated for three different porous implants, and flow trajectory, velocity, and wall shear stress which could reflect the properties of mass transfer and tissue regeneration were compared and predicted numerically. Results demonstrated that different unit cell could directly lead to different mass transport properties for porous implant, in spite of same porosity, scaffold size, and service environment. Additionally, by the results, DO displayed greater tortuosity, more appropriate areas, and smoother shear stress distribution than RD and OT, which would provide better surroundings for implant fixation and tissue regeneration. However, RD and OT showed better mass transport properties because of bigger maximum velocity (5.177 mm/s, 4.381 mm/s) than DO (3.941 mm/s). This study would provide great helps for unit cell selection and biological performance optimization for 3D printed bone implants.

Research Progress Regarding Interfacial Characteristics and the Strengthening Mechanisms of Titanium Alloy/Hydroxyapatite Composites

Titanium alloy/Hydroxyapatite (HA) composites have become a hot research topic in biomedical materials, while there are some challenges concerning bioactivity and mechanical properties such as low interface adhesion at the interface between metal and ceramic, complex interfacial reactions, and so on. Nevertheless, composites with reinforced phases can reach special properties that meet the requirements of biomedical materials due to the strong interfacial interactions between reinforcing phases (nano-carbon, partial oxides, and so on) and Titanium alloys or HA. This review summarizes the interface properties and mechanisms of Titanium alloy/HA composites, including interfacial bonding methods, strengthening and toughening mechanisms, and performance evaluation. On this basis, the interface characteristics and mechanisms of the Titaniumalloy/HA composites with enhanced phase are prospected. The results show that the interfacial bonding methods in the Titanium alloy/HA composites include chemical reactions and mechanical effects. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms contain grain refinement strengthening, second phase strengthening, solution strengthening, cracks and pulling out mechanisms, etc. This review provides a guidline for the fabrication of biocomposites with both mechanical properties and bioactivity.

High strength, biodegradable and cytocompatible alpha tricalcium phosphate-iron composites for temporal reduction of bone fractures

In this work alpha tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)/iron (Fe) composites were developed as a new family of biodegradable, load-bearing and cytocompatible materials. The composites with composition from pure ceramic to pure metallic samples were consolidated by pulsed electric current assisted sintering to minimise processing time and temperature while improving their mechanical performance. The mechanical strength of the composites was increased and controlled with the Fe content, passing from brittle to ductile failure. In particular, the addition of 25 vol% of Fe produced a ceramic matrix composite with elastic modulus much closer to cortical bone than that of titanium or biodegradable magnesium alloys and specific compressive strength above that of stainless steel, chromium-cobalt alloys and pure titanium, currently used in clinic for internal fracture fixation. All the composites studied exhibited higher degradation rate than their individual components, presenting values around 200 μm/year, but also their compressive strength did not show a significant reduction in the period required for bone fracture consolidation. Composites showed preferential degradation of α-TCP areas rather than β-TCP areas, suggesting that α-TCP can produce composites with higher degradation rate. The composites were cytocompatible both in indirect and direct contact with bone cells. Osteoblast-like cells attached and spread on the surface of the composites, presenting proliferation rate similar to cells on tissue culture-grade polystyrene and they showed alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, this new family of composites is a potential alternative to produce implants for temporal reduction of bone fractures.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Biodegradable alpha-tricalcium phosphate/iron (α-TCP/Fe) composites are promising candidates for the fabrication of temporal osteosynthesis devices. Similar to biodegradable metals, these composites can avoid implant removal after bone fracture healing, particularly in young patients. In this work, α-TCP/Fe composites are studied for the first time in a wide range of compositions, showing not only higher degradation rate in vitro than pure components, but also good cytocompatibility and mechanical properties controllable with the Fe content. Ceramic matrix composites show high specific strength and low elastic modulus, thus better fulfilling the requirements for bone fractures fixation. A significant advance over previous works on the topic is the use of pulsed electric current assisted sintering together with α-TCP, convenient to improve the mechanical performance and degradation rate, respectively.

A Novel Strategy for Preparation of Si-HA Coatings on C/C Composites by Chemical Liquid Vaporization Deposition/Hydrothermal Treatments

A novel strategy for the preparation of Si-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) coatings on H₂O₂-treated carbon/carbon composites (C/C) was developed. HA coating was prepared on C/C through chemical liquid vaporization deposition (CLVD)/hydrothermal treatment. HA coating was immersed in an H₂SiO₃ solution at an autoclave at 413 K for transformation into Si-HA coating. The effects of H₂SiO₃ mass contents on the phase, morphology, and composition of the Si-HA coatings were studied through SEM, EDS,XRD, and FTIR. Their bonding performance to C/C was measured through a scratch test. Under the optimal content condition, the in vitro skull osteoblast response behaviors of the Si-HA coating were evaluated. Results showed that SiO₃²⁻ could enter into the HA lattice and occupy the PO₄³⁻ sites. Doped SiO₃²⁻ significantly improved the bonding performance of the HA coating to C/C in comparison with the untreated HA. The adhesive strength of the coatings initially increased and then decreased with increasing H₂SiO₃ content. Meanwhile, the cohesive strength of the Si-HA coatings was almost nearly identical. The Si-HA coating achieved at a content of 90% H₂SiO₃ exhibited the best bonding performance, and its osteoblast compatibility in vitro was superior to that of the untreated HA coating on C/C through CLVD/hydrothermal treatment.

Biological functionality and mechanistic contribution of extracellular matrix-ornamented three dimensional Ti-6Al-4V mesh scaffolds

The 3D printed metallic implants are considered bioinert in nature because of the absence of bioactive molecules. Thus, surface modification of bioinert materials is expected to favorably promote osteoblast functions and differentiation. In this context, the objective of this study is to fundamentally elucidate the effect of cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) ornamented 3D printed Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds on biological functions, involving cell adhesion, proliferation, and synthesis of vinculin and actin proteins. To mimic the natural ECM environment, the mineralized ECM of osteoblasts was deposited on the Ti-6Al-4V porous scaffolds, fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM) method. The process comprised of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and freeze-thaw cycles to obtain decellularized extra cellular matrix (dECM), in vitro. The dECM provided a natural environment to restore the natural cell functionality of osteoblasts that were cultured on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds. In comparison to the bare Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, a higher cell functionality such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and growth including cell-cell and cell-material interaction were observed on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, which were characterized by using markers for focal adhesion and cytoskeleton such as vinculin and actin. Moreover, electron microscopy also indicated higher cell-material interaction and enhanced proliferation of cells on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, supported by MTT assay. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2751-2763, 2016.

Biological functionality of extracellular matrix-ornamented three-dimensional printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is considered an ideally suitable method to fabricate patient specific implantable devices. The approach enabled to produce a porous scaffold with tailored physical, mechanical, and biological properties because of the flexibility to tune the scaffold architecture. The objective of the study described was to elucidate the determining role of cell-laid extracellular matrix (ECM) in impacting biological response. In this regard, to mimic the natural ECM environment or the attributes of the native tissue, a natural ECM analogue surface was produced on the 3D printed and sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold surface by the mineralized ECM of the osteoblast. This involved the growth of osteoblast on 3D printed scaffolds, followed by differentiation to deposit the mineralized ECM on the biomaterial surface. The cells were removed from the mineralized matrix using freeze-thaw cycles to obtain a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) on the biomaterial surface. Subsequently, seeding of osteoblast on dECM-ornamented HA scaffolds led to 3D growth with enhanced expression of prominent proteins, actin and vinculin. Based on preliminary observations of present study, it was underscored that HA scaffolds-ornamented with dECM provided an optimized microenvironment conducive to the growth of 3D structural tissue and favorably promoted biological functionality because of the availability of an environment that promoted cell-cell and cell-scaffold interaction. The primary advantage of dECM is that it enabled constructive remodeling and promoted the formation of tissue in lieu of less functional tissue. The study opens-up a new path for printing of 3D structures suitable to treat segmental bone defects. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1343-1351, 2016.

Ion size, loading, and charge determine the mechanical properties, surface apatite, and cell growth of silver and tantalum doped calcium silicate

This study describes how various loadings of two ions with different size and charge, such as silver and tantalum, can affect the mechanical and biological properties of calcium silicate (CS).

Three-dimensional plotted hydroxyapatite scaffolds with predefined architecture: comparison of stabilization by alginate cross-linking versus sintering

Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are essentially characterized by porous three-dimensional structures with interconnected pores to facilitate the exchange of nutrients and removal of waste products from cells, thereby promoting cell proliferation in such engineered scaffolds. Although hydroxyapatite is widely being considered for bone tissue engineering applications due to its occurrence in the natural extracellular matrix of this tissue, limited reports are available on additive manufacturing of hydroxyapatite-based materials. In this perspective, hydroxyapatite-based three-dimensional porous scaffolds with two different binders (maltodextrin and sodium alginate) were fabricated using the extrusion method of three-dimensional plotting and the results were compared in reference to the structural properties of scaffolds processed via chemical stabilization and sintering routes, respectively. With the optimal processing conditions regarding to pH and viscosity of binder-loaded hydroxyapatite pastes, scaffolds with parallelepiped porous architecture having up to 74% porosity were fabricated. Interestingly, sintering of the as-plotted hydroxyapatite–sodium alginate (cross-linked with CaCl2 solution) scaffolds led to the formation of chlorapatite (Ca9.54P5.98O23.8Cl1.60(OH)2.74). Both the sintered scaffolds displayed progressive deformation and delayed fracture under compressive loading, with hydroxyapatite–alginate scaffolds exhibiting a higher compressive strength (9.5 ± 0.5 MPa) than hydroxyapatite–maltodextrin scaffolds (7.0 ± 0.6 MPa). The difference in properties is explained in terms of the phase assemblage and microstructure.

Biodegradable Materials for Bone Repair and Tissue Engineering Applications

This review discusses and summarizes the recent developments and advances in the use of biodegradable materials for bone repair purposes. The choice between using degradable and non-degradable devices for orthopedic and maxillofacial applications must be carefully weighed. Traditional biodegradable devices for osteosynthesis have been successful in low or mild load bearing applications. However, continuing research and recent developments in the field of material science has resulted in development of biomaterials with improved strength and mechanical properties. For this purpose, biodegradable materials, including polymers, ceramics and magnesium alloys have attracted much attention for osteologic repair and applications. The next generation of biodegradable materials would benefit from recent knowledge gained regarding cell material interactions, with better control of interfacing between the material and the surrounding bone tissue. The next generations of biodegradable materials for bone repair and regeneration applications require better control of interfacing between the material and the surrounding bone tissue. Also, the mechanical properties and degradation/resorption profiles of these materials require further improvement to broaden their use and achieve better clinical results.